Reports: Alabama kidnapper dead, child is safe after 7 days

The Associated Press is quoting a law enforcement official stating that 5-year-old boy is safe and that the kidnapper, 65-year-old Jim Dykes, is dead.

Previous Associate Press report:

Authorities say they will be making a major announcement in the case of a 5-year-old who is being held hostage in an underground bunker in Alabama.

The news conference will be held Monday afternoon in Midland City. Police say 65-year-old Jim Dykes has been holding the boy hostage for days.

Before the news conference Monday, an ambulance that had been parked near the scene could be seen driving away. However, it was not clear if anyone was inside, and the vehicle did not have its sirens or emergency lights on.

Daryle Hendry, who lives about a quarter-mile from where Dykes was holed up, says he heard a boom followed by a gunshot this afternoon. It was not immediately known what may have caused the noise.

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Reports: Alabama kidnapper dead, child is safe after 7 days

CNN and ABC 33 are reporting that that 5-year-old boy is safe and that the kidnapper, 65-year-old Jim Dykes, is dead.